India, Jan. 5 -- The Supreme Court, on December 29, 2025, in an unexpected but welcome move, suo motu stayed its November 20 order on the definition of the Aravalli Hills and Ranges. The November ruling accepted an elevation-based definition proposed by the Union Government, which caused widespread concern among the people of the affected States of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi.

The November 20 order, to the consternation of the people of the four states and environmental and legal experts, adopted a very narrow definition, classifying only landforms with an elevation of 100 metres or more above local relief as "Aravalli Hills."

Following widespread protests across the four states, irrespective of party or caste affiliations, th...